Particle physics: Facts about the elementary particles that make up our universe

A new AI-powered study claims the Dead Sea Scrolls—ancient Hebrew texts that include some of the earliest biblical writings—might be older than previously believed. But not everyone’s buying it; some scholars are skeptical, arguing the tech might not tell the whole story.

Editor’s Note: If the AI findings hold up, it could reshape our understanding of when these foundational religious texts were written. But the debate itself highlights a bigger question: how much should we trust cutting-edge tech to rewrite history? It’s a clash of old-school scholarship and modern algorithms, with big stakes for both archaeology and AI’s role in it.

Think of the sun as Earth’s ultimate power source—it’s not just a glowing ball in the sky but the reason we exist at all. This piece breaks down the basics, like how it’s a giant nuclear reactor (don’t worry, safely far away) and why its gravity keeps our solar system in check. Bonus: without its light and heat, life as we know it wouldn’t stand a chance.

Editor’s Note: The sun is often taken for granted, but understanding its role puts everything from weather to WiFi into perspective. This isn’t just space trivia—it’s a reminder of how fragile and interconnected life on Earth really is. Plus, who doesn’t love marveling at cosmic wonders?

The Fort Worth Zoo just welcomed an adorable, history-making baby porcupine—and surprise, it’s way fluffier than you’d expect. This isn’t your average spiky rodent; it’s a prehensile-tailed porcupette (yes, that’s the actual term for a baby porcupine), and its arrival is a big deal for the zoo.

Editor’s Note: Beyond being ridiculously cute, this little guy’s birth is a win for conservation efforts. Prehensile-tailed porcupines are native to South America and aren’t as commonly bred in captivity, so every successful birth helps scientists learn more about protecting the species. Plus, who doesn’t need a dose of "fluffy porcupine" joy today?

Japan's Ispace just had another lunar lander bite the dust—literally. Their spacecraft, named Resilience, crashed into the moon, mirroring the fate of their first attempt back in 2023. It’s a tough break for the company, which is trying to carve out a role in the competitive space industry.

Editor’s Note: Landing on the moon is still hard, even for private companies with experience. Ispace’s back-to-back failures highlight the challenges of lunar missions, especially for newer players. This setback could slow down their ambitions—and maybe even shake investor confidence—in a field where SpaceX and other big names are racing ahead. For space enthusiasts, it’s a reminder that the "new space race" isn’t just about flashy launches; it’s also about sticking the landing.

Physicists are borrowing techniques from dark matter research—and leveraging AI—to systematically analyze reports of UFOs (or UAPs, if you prefer the Pentagon’s term). It’s a fresh, data-driven approach to a topic often dismissed as fringe, blending hard science with the hunt for unexplained aerial phenomena.

Editor’s Note: UFOs aren’t just for conspiracy theorists anymore. By applying serious scientific methods, researchers are trying to cut through the noise and figure out what’s really behind these mysterious sightings. Whether it’s advanced tech, natural phenomena, or something else entirely, this could be a step toward answers—or at least better questions.